SoHumane saves dog from 'death row' with donated eye surgery

Odin, like so many other animals, ended up at a shelter in Northern California following the Camp Fire and subsequent storms. Suffering from a blind eye, the dog was set to be euthanized.

Posted: Mar. 12, 2019 11:39 AM

Updated: Mar. 12, 2019 11:45 AM

Posted By: Jamie Parfitt

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. — One displaced pup who wound up at a Northern California animal shelter following the series of unfortunate events that has wracked the region was set to be euthanized — but according to the Southern Oregon Humane Society (SoHumane), he now has a new lease on life.

Dubbed "Odin," the chihuahua mixed-breed dog was one of many animals who ended up at a shelter following the summer's devastating fires, a series of storms and flooding. Lost power caused some shelters to close, worsening an already serious problem.

Because of the sheer number of recovered animals, SoHumane said that several shelters that were generally "no kill" had to start a euthanasia list. Odin, suffering from a painful blind eye, was one of the animals who ended up on such a list.

"They sent out SOS emails to other humane society’s asking for help with the excess numbers of animals in hopes to save them from being euthanized," SoHumane said in a statement.

Through SoHumane's "Saving Train" program, the local shelter was able to send down two vans and bring back 28 dogs — including Odin. The organization said that it chose Odin specifically because of his special needs, feeling that he would have a better chance of adoption in the Medford area.

“We knew the community would want us to save him,” said Karen, executive director of SoHumane.

Dr. Bliss, a local veterinary ophthalmologist, donated her time to examine Odin and prepare him for a surgery to remove the dog's ailing eye. Together with veterinarian Dr. Jessie Holley of Brookings, Dr. Bliss planned to get Odin fixed — in both senses of the term.

"He will recover from both surgeries at the same time, which means he will be that much closer to meeting his forever home," SoHumane said.

"The success of the Saving Train at securing a caring and committed home for all of the animals brought to SoHumane relies on the local community’s support. Because as a no-kill shelter the animals now have all the time they need to find a new home," SoHumane said.

SoHumane is hosting a special adoption weekend on Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. People will have a chance to meet the Saving Train dogs, or check out the felines in Catville.